Question:

Wouldn’t the maximum number of receptacles be determined by the load? A duplex receptacle should be counted as 180VA minimum. If all receptacles are 20A duplex, then loading the circuit to 80% (16A) would yield a maximum of 10 receptacles. If you are allowed to load to 100%, then you could go to a maximum of 13.

In a Kitchen, we find we need more circuits than 2. We rarely feed more than two receptacles per circuit due to the fact that Kitchen appliances can be large heat loads and one appliance can be the entire load for a 20A circuit. ( i.e Coffee pots at 1200VA, refrigerator at 800VA, Electric skillet at 1500VA, Crock pot at 1200-1500VA, etc)

Regards, Alex

A

Answer:

Hey Alex thanks for your follow up question. No, notice that wording in 220.14(J) specifically excludes receptacle outlets in dwelling occupancies from being calculated at 180 volt amperes. Receptacle outlets are generally required to be located to minimize the use of extension cords. If we installed more receptacle outlets than what is required, that would not likely increase the load as some would probably not be used. You can increase the number of receptacle outlets as you suggest, and that could be a better design, but is not specifically required.

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